Dog sled racing, Winterfest in Merrill this weekend

See all the excitement of dog sled racing during Merrill’s WinterFest Weekend.
The Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog Club will host the Custom Design Cool Running Sled Dog Race on Saturday, Feb. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. While unpredictable snow conditions may prevent ISDRA sanction, the Fun Run style race start and finish line for the 10, 6 and 4 Dog Classes, as well as Junior Racing and Skijoring is at Pine River School for Little Learners on Hwy 64 just east of Merrill.
Major sponsor Custom Design Heating & Cooling and Aspirus Merrill Center are sponsoring the race and Winterfest family fun activities on the grounds on Saturday. Win free prizes as you drop the puck on the giant Plinko board, put together giant puzzle cubes, race your recliner courtesy of Courtside Furniture, and watch the VIP Dog Sled Race at noon. Area Boy Scouts volunteer their help at the activities. Merrill Soccer Association will provide food and refreshments in the warmth of the cafeteria at Pine River School. Deer Run Road, off Hwy 64 East is an excellent location to watch the sled dog race from the comfort of your car. The Lincoln County Rodeo Association and the local HAM Radio Emergency Operator Club are manning the trails for safety when the dog sleds cross. Many local businesses are sponsoring the WTSDC Race as well as other WinterFest activities. Their names along with valuable coupons are listed in the WinterFest program available at all activity sites and the Merrill Chamber of Commerce, who have provided a tourism grant for advertising.
Merrill Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring a Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament at Kate Goodrich School. Team sign-up is still possible. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams. Contact Dawn Smith, WinterFest co-chairman, in the Smith Center at the MARC 715-536-7313.
“Only the snow sculptures at Normal Park have been postponed till 2014 due to lack of huge snow piles,” Dawn said.
The WinterFest Extravaganza Saturday evening Open Skate on Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m. will feature a DJ rinkside, games and prizes for only a $3 admission making it a fun Merrill WinterFest event.
Saturday evening beginning at 5 p.m. a WinterFest all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner will be served at Lincoln Lanes on North Center Avenue in Merrill. Adults are $7.50; children under 12 are $5, under 5 years old are free. The public is encouraged to attend to win door prizes and meet the athletes, mushers and Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog members. Beginning at 7 p.m. Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes is sponsoring a Bean Bag tournament. Call Lincoln Lanes for more info at 715-536-9405.
Other Merrill WinterFest activities include Central Wisconsin Gaming Enthusiasts conducting a free Board and Card Gaming Event at Fun Stuff, 432 E. First St., beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2. The Artisan Showcase, a fundraiser with wine, cheese and appetizers served, is being held at Assisi Hall at Bell Towers on O’Day Street from 1-5 p.m. Area fine artists in this show will have their original creations displayed and for sale.
For info on the Sled Dog Race call Ron Behm 715-873-4787 or Winterfest Co-chairman Christine Vorpagel 715-551-3189 at Dynamo Creative Marketing.